The second cutest kitties

Originally uploaded by pratt

These are my friends kitties, but they are so cute I think anyone can appreciate this photo.

Vets That Really Care in Brooklyn

I'm writing this because I know how hard it can be to find a trustworthy vet. After recently losing our precious kitty to bladder stones, we've been extremely sentitive to our second cat's health and diet, and set out to find a new vet in Brooklyn.

Last week, we took him to Atlantic Animal Care (AAC) on the recommendation of a close friend to discuss how we could prevent him from the same fate. They were the most professional and caring vetrinary group.

After taking our cat there for his annual check-up, I was impressed by the cleanliness of the office and personal attention from the staff. Unfortunately, one day after the check-up we started to notice that he was showing signs of a bladder infection (sorry if this is TMI) and took him to the emergency vetrinary clinic near Smith Street, called Veterinary Emergency & Referral Group (VERG). They were recommended by AAC and were amazing as well. Everyone from the woman at the front desk admitting animals to the emergency care vets (Dr. Humphreys & Dr. Anderson) doing the examinations, everyone was attentive and helpful.

Both the AAC and VERG followed-up with me to make sure our cat was feeling better. VERG sent a prescription to AAC and I was able to order new food from their online service. It was so easy and everything got delivered in just a few days. VERG even let us bring him in one night for a 5 minute visit to check his bladder and make sure his meds were working correctly.

I highly recommend either place for you to bring your cat or dog!

Splasher Attempts to Make a Stink in DUMBO

I have been totally intrigued by reports of the infamous Splasher who is destroying graffiti art around the city. When I got home last night around 8, there was a large group of people outside for the Shepard Fairey art exhibit and apparently there were some interesting happenings.

dumbonyc found a report of the scene from woostercollective:

Two young guys entered Shepard Fairey’s opening night party at 81 Front Street in Dumbo with a backpack. Moments later they were seen attempting to light a homemade stink and smoke bomb that was hidden in a coffee can. As they were setting it off, two guys nearby saw what was happening and managed to stop the guys from igniting it before it went off. Seeing the scuffle, the security guys hired for the evening caught one of the two guys (shown above) while the other was able to get away.

I first read about the Splasher in New York Magazine and in a more recent interview with Fairey about his DUMBO art exhibit, he says:

He’s splashed almost every one of my pieces, but sometimes it takes him four months to get to them. Some people are all, ‘What statement are they making?’ Any arguments in favor of this kind of thing are incredibly flimsy, but at least it gets people talking and any dialogue about street art is always good to have.

I really appreciate street art and graffiti, even neckface's weird expressions. I hope this guy gets caught.

Summer Grub in NYC

In general, friedness is goodness when it comes to food, especially seafood. Gothamist offers a nice round-up of local restaurants known for fried clams, one of my favorites.

Included in the post is Brooklyn Fish Camp, a place I have been wanting to try but haven't gotten around to it (mainly because when in Park Slope, I like to Al Di La). If you've been and liked it, leave a comment.

JCondo Ready for Business

dumbonyc offers a nice update on JCondo, including pictures of the building and units.

Top 10 Burgers in New York

Time Out has published its Top Ten List for burgers in New York City.

Brooklyn's Blue Ribbon nabbed the No. 9 slot.

9 Blue Ribbon/Blue Ribbon Brooklyn
The name of the restaurant (in Soho and Park Slope) isn't the only reason this deluxe model is a Blue Ribbon burger. The densely packed beef patty, served on a toasted bun with a plateful of crisp fries and the requisite lettuce, tomato, onions and pickle, recalls the flame-licked meat that comes off backyard Webers in the summer. What the superlean, eight-ounce beauty ($12.50) lacks in chin-wiping juiciness it makes up for with its nicely charred outside and smoky flavor.

My personal favorite burger is still J.G. Melon. The secret (well maybe not so secret) trick is they cook it right next to a big heap of bacon so it's basically cooking in bacon fat. As Emeril would say, BAM!

No. 6 is Rare in Murray Hill, which is also pretty good.

Kitty Shopping at BARC Today

Well, it's really called the Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition (BARC). My husband and I are in the market for a new cat as a companion for our cat Oscar, who recently lost his life-long buddy. We have looked at countless pets on the Web through Petfinder and also Catster, which I am embarrassed to say I look at quite often.

We went to BARC today in Williamsburg and they really have it together. I have been to a bunch of volunteer-based shelters and by far this is one of the nicest places for rescued animals to live. The space was clean, the cats were healthy and happy, and the volunteers were knowledgeable and kind. We met a very nice female cat that we're considering taking home to DUMBO. I highly recommend BARC if you are looking for a pet in need of a home. They have dogs and bunnies too.

If you're interested in adopting a pet, click here for more information.

Best Deal in Brooklyn! Lobster Roll @ Fairway

A tip from a close friend led us to lunch in Red Hook at Fairway. While I frequently shop there, I have never taken advantage of the outdoor eating area. The weather today couldn't have been more perfect so we decided to have lunch at Fairway.

We tried the Lobster Roll, as suggested by our friend, and were pleasantly surprised. We got two good sized portions with kettle chips, a pickle and salad on the side. Each portion was only $7.99. I can't say there are many places you can have a full lunch for two and spend less than $20. The Lobster Rolls were really good - lots of meat and no fillers, except a little celery mixed in and greens on the roll, which was nicely toasted on the grill as it should. My only complaint was that they went a little overboard with the salad dressing on the side salad, but now I know to ask for just a drop.

We got a nice table outside on the water and it certainly didn't feel like we were in the city. More like the beach somewhere far from NYC. But to our rightwas the Statue of Liberty. It doesn't get more perfect.

Rental Listings Round-up from Craigslist

DUMBO: Aclove 600 sq ft in JCondo - $2195/month
DUMBO: Studio 700 sq ft at 79 Bridge Street - $2600/month
Red Hook: 3 bdrm, 2 bath duplex - $2,400/month
Carroll Gardens: 1 bdrm on Clark St. - $1,400/month

Wiimbledon Comes to Brooklyn

I was reading in Time Out about a new event coming to Brooklyn. Called Wiimbledon, a cross between the famous Tennis Tournament and the Wii Tennis game, it's a one-day event being held on Sunday, June 23 at Barcade in Williamsburg. You can sign up to receive the newsletter here for more details as they become available. The tournament is being hosted by Steve Bryant, a reporter for eWEEK.

Brooklyn Sunset

Brooklyn Sunset
Originally uploaded by Harleys & Thunderstorms

We've been having some gorgeous sunsets lately.

Don't Free Paris T-Shirts

I couldn't resist posting this. For only $19.99 it could be yours! From Gawker.

Sopranos For Real! Botched Brooklyn Mob Hit

(NY Post) "The son of one of 'Dapper Don' John Gotti's trusted capos narrowly escaped an old-fashioned mob hit yesterday when a bullet grazed his head in a drive-by shooting in Brooklyn's Mafia heartland ... Robert DeCicco, whom feds identified as a 56-year-old mob associate, also was shot three times in the arm during the botched rubout in his car at Bath and 17th avenues in Bath Beach at about 10:15 a.m., cops and witnesses said."

Spice Up Your Drink Order

From Gothamist, here are some suggestions of more interesting mixed drinks you can order to keep your bartender on his/her toes.

Vodka and tonic drinker, try:
Moscow Mule – vodka, lime juice, ginger-ale
Salty Dog – vodka, grapefruit juice, ginger-ale, sparkling lemonade
Kir Lethale – vodka, crème de cassis, champagne

Gin and tonic drinker, try:
Gimlet – gin, lime juice
Horse’s Neck – gin, lemon, gin, ginger-ale
White Lady – gin, Cointreau, lemon juice
Gin Smash – gin, sugar, fresh mint

Whiskey and soda drinker, try:
Manhattan – rye whiskey, dry and sweet vermouth
Mint Julep – bourbon, sugar, mint leaves
Blizzard – bourbon, cranberry juice
Highland Morning – scotch, Cointreau, grapefruit juice

What bars do you think have the most interesting cocktails? I like Dove Bar in the West Village and my all time favorite in Boston, B-Side Lounge, home of the violet colored "Stardust" (light rum, Parfait Amour and lemon juice).

Event: DUMBO Block Party This Weekend

Check out the DUMBO Block Party this Saturday June 2nd from 1pm* to 7pm at 1 Main Street in Dumbo (Main St. between Plymouth and Water Sts). These were really fun last year.

LIVE MUSIC at 2pm for kids by AUDRA ROX and TOXIC MUFFIN
DJ Emilee 1-2
The Dahkter 3:30-4:30
DJ GOV 4:30-5:30
Alex Dirttt 5:30-7

Plus family fun with a bouncey castle, arts & crafts activities brought to you by the Brooklyn Children's Museum, and the FDNY's Mobile Fire Safety House and NYC Parks Department's Play Mobile on hand. (the graphic says 2 but music starts at 1pm)

The above image is of colored chalk on the sidewalk from last year's July 4th Block Party.